2nd Lt David Dickson. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

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Subject: 2nd Lt D.J.A.Dickson Sun Dec 15, 2013 7:12 am

From Mack & Shad .
Also served in the 91st regt , Dickson joined the regt with the draft on 23 April , and served with it to the conclusion of the war , taking part in the advance of Crealock's div to Port Durnford
90th

Sorry to revive an old topic, but would anyone happen to have a photograph of Dickson? Or be able to confirm what his service dress/uniform should look like? I'm doing research for a client and trying to identify a photo that I believe to be of Dickson, as it was included in an album kept by him. Thanks! (The client is very private and doesn't want these images shared, unfortunately.)

Posts : 3047 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Cattailrun

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David John Alexander Dickson

Best I can do.

Salute

Wow! Thank you so much. Do you have an idea as to when that photo was taken?

I know this would be simpler if I could share the photo I have. If it's the same guy, ours is probably taken later -- he has four chevrons/stripes on the sleeves. How's that for a clue?

Where are the chevrons on the sleeves? If they are near the cuff are they inverted?

If they are, then I would doubt very much whether the photograph is that of an officer, let alone that of Dickson. Given the time frame between the date of Dickson’s commission on 22nd February 1879 and his death in 1883.

JY

Thank you, John!
You're correct -- I knew Dickson died in 1883, but for some reason hadn't bothered to check his birth date. He can't be our guy.

The chevrons are above the elbow, pointing down.

Can you describe the uniform? Is it that of a Highlander?

If the chevrons are above the elbow it is designation of rank. If there are four chevrons it is an old designation for Staff-Sergeant, such as a Sergeant-Major. In most cases these would in late 1860’s move down to the cuffs.

JY

John,
We're going to see if we can't get the client's permission to share the photo. She's on travel now, so that may take a while.

Until then...
The uniform does look like that of a Highlander, in comparison to other photos I've seen.
Unfortunately I've already proven that trying to identify tartans isn't my strong suit.
I'll do my best with the proper terms, here...

Gentleman is seated, wearing a tunic and kilt.
White sporran with what looks like six short black tassels.
Plaid worn the usual way, with some other kind of strap over the right shoulder.
Badge/brooch? on the left shoulder looks plain. Like a donut.

Right... hopefully I can share the photo!

Thanks for that, it would be a great help.

JY

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 58 Location : UK

"Lieut David J. A. Dickson, Argyllshire Highlanders: "In memory of Lieut. David J. A. Dickson, who died March 13th 1883, aged 24. This tablet is erected by his brother officers in token of their affectionate regard." Lt Dickson died of capillary bronchitis and congestion at Lasswade, Midlothian."

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 58 Location : UK

Is this the same uniform.

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Hey John,

I somehow missed this! My apologies. The uniform is similar, but the colors are switched on the sporran. I've just made a new post with the photo we've been given permission to share.